It's a bright, sunny Monday morning and I've woken up full of mixed emotions. Wimbledon 2018 reached it's conclusion the previous evening which means I have a few days to relax and recuperate. At the start of the weekend I couldn't wait to put my feet up but now I'm suffering severe withdrawal symptoms.
No tennis, and no football either with the World Cup done and dusted too so time to reflect on the grass court season and the Wimbledon fortnight in particular. A couple of things have become crystal clear. The All England Club has to introduce 5th set tie-breaks to avoid a repeat of what happened on the second Friday. Of course that Kevin Anderson-John Isner epic was captivating in an almost ghoulish sort of way but it left the South African with no reasonable chance of being fit enough to make Sunday's final competitive. My compromise would be a tie-break if the final set reaches 12-12.
I also firmly believe the roof has to be kept open whenever possible. Obviously it had to be closed for the start of the Nadal-Djokovic semi-final on Friday evening and the rules state that both players must agree to it being re-opened upon any resumption the following day. Naturally Djokovic, supremely talented indoors, had good reason to say no. Yet Wimbledon should be an outdoor event whenever possible so I'd take that decision out of the hands of the players. You can start a match outdoors and finish inside so why not the other way round?
In terms of the tennis Novak looks close to his best again and will be the man to beat for the rest of the year. I hope Roger Federer shrugs off the disappointment of his defeat and suspect the lack of serious challenges he faced after missing another clay court season cost him dear when Anderson began to stage that remarkable comeback. Federer should also have been given a match away from centre court prior to that stage of the Championships.
Juan Martin Del Potro continues to impress and I'm expecting him to have a great end to the year. There were glimpses of the old Stan Wawrinka and Rafa was a joy to watch on grass. I won't forget the match point he saved against Djokovic with that wonderful drop-shot in a hurry.
And of course my man Mr Gulbis gave us a run for our money and a reminder of what a charismatic and talented player he is. Stay fit Ernie and continue that rise up the rankings please.
Some of the women's matches were a joy, particularly the later stages of Daria Kasatkina against Angelique Kerber. The lack of predictability in the ladies singles was a source of fascination but it was entirely predictable to see the remarkable Serena Williams make such an impact so early in her come-back. Her presence and power have served her well for many years and there is every sign she will continue to rule the roost for a while yet unless she decides to have another child.
That Kerber was able to deal with the pressure so admirably in the final spoke volumes for her tenacity and made her a very worthwhile Champion. And, after their world cup debacle, it finally gave German sports fans something to shout about!!!!
Sky will be broadcasting the Canadian Masters and Cincinnati in August. See you then!